Capitalizes on last year's success

Art Business News, Sept, 2005

Expecting to capitalize on the success of last year's first-ever Artexpo Atlanta with an even bigger and better show, this year's event, being held at the Georgia World Congress Center, Sept. 16-18, has added several new concepts. Artexpo Atlanta has attracted many local and national brands to sponsor this year's festivities, where artists, galleries and publishers come to showcase art for every taste, style and budget. To improve the atmosphere and feel of the show, Artexpo Atlanta has added 12-foot white walls, along with a truss-lighting system. And, the addition of the SOLO Photo space for emerging photographers is expected to further the success of the SOLO Pavilion.

"The additions will bring an exciting new look and feel to Artexpo as we look to build on the success of last year's show," says Hugh Tobin, 2004 show director. "Artexpo Atlanta is beginning to build steam as a new venue for art, serving collectors throughout the Southeast."

Atlanta Magazine, the city's flagship publication with its focus on lifestyle and the arts, is a sponsor for the show. And XO Vodka, along with Maker's Mark Whiskey, two of the world's premier spirits, are sponsoring "The Before Party," which takes place Sept. 15 to kick off the Artexpo Atlanta events. XO and Maker's Mark will provide complimentary drinks to all exhibitors and guests in attendance during this by-invitation-only event.

As a beverage sponsor, Starbucks coffee has agreed to provide free coffee to Artexpo Atlanta exhibitors and attendees throughout the duration of the show. A special kiosk for Starbucks will be located inside the Atlanta Art Experience Lounge, which is designed by Robert Idol, a world-famous furniture designer.

Further, the Woodruff Arts Center, the umbrella organization for all cultural institutions in Atlanta, has agreed to be Artexpo Atlanta's official charity sponsor. The Woodruff Arts Center will promote the show throughout its family of organizations, and will receive $1 for every paid Artexpo ticket.

Artexpo Atlanta Is Exposed

Running concurrently once again with DECOR Expo, Artexpo Atlanta draws attendees and exhibitors from around the world, as well as locally. The show celebrated great success during its inaugural year, attracting more than 6,500 attendees and nearly 100 exhibitors to the Georgia World Congress Center last September. This year, Artexpo Atlanta is off to a record-breaking start with more than 750 members of the fine art trade having already registered, for a 500 percent, year-to-date increase in attendee registration. These numbers are expected to climb as a concentrated marketing campaign continues strong.

Additionally, a highly targeted public relations campaign is underway to attract thousands of Southeastern consumers to Artexpo Atlanta through prior television and electronic media placements. The show will receive coverage in major national and local press, including CNN, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine and the Atlanta Inquirer.

The show officially opens to trade buyers on Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and to the public on Friday, 2-6 p.m., continuing through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on, and to register for, Artexpo Atlanta, call 888-608-5300; visit www.artexpos.com.